Strength of electric field in fringe region vs. central region?

[carnivalcougar]

Homework Statement

For parallel electrodes, is the average electric field in the fringe region smaller or larger than in the central region?

Homework Equations

E = ΔV/ΔX

The Attempt at a Solution

I know that the electric field strength is proportional to the density of the equipotential lines. Looking at various pictures of equipotential lines in parallel plates it looks as though the density is greater in the central region. However, the lines are curved in the fringe region which may affect the density in a way I'm not yet sure of.

 

[Simon Bridge]

Look at the way the lines are curved ... if drawn properly, the density of the electric field lines is prportional to the density of the electric field.

 

[carnivalcougar]

http://www.physicscurriculum.com/Photos/Electro3D04_small.jpg

It looks to me like the density of the curved lines in the fringe region is less than that of the central region, which would make the electric field strength stronger in the central region, and weaker in the fringe region. Does this seem correct?

 

[Chestermiller]

http://www.physicscurriculum.com/Photos/Electro3D04_small.jpg

It looks to me like the density of the curved lines in the fringe region is less than that of the central region, which would make the electric field strength stronger in the central region, and weaker in the fringe region. Does this seem correct?

Not only does it seem correct. It is correct. Nice reasoning.

 

[Simon Bridge]

Well done!